Nature of Stress: Introduction (02:50)

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Stress can be exhilarating or overwhelming; it can cause physical symptoms and lead to disease. Dr. Norman Anderson describes stress as a three stage process. Dr. Andrew Baum defines it as a demand forcing people to adjust their lives.

Background Stressors (03:59)

Things we have no control over can elicit a stress response. Some people are more susceptible to stress than others; stress is contextual and subjective. Stressor predictability, our control over it and its meaning are also important.

Sudden Deadlines (02:51)

Research shows that architecture and accounting are stressful occupations and cause temporary hypertension. Hear stress reduction methods.

Physiology of Stress (01:47)

Epinephrine and norepinephrine increase blood pressure, heart rate and stomach acid; corticosteroids are released into the bloodstream. Stress affects the nervous system, endocrine system, and behavior. Prolonged stress responses may cause disease.

Stress and Demographics (02:54)

Anderson studies the effects of stress on the cardiovascular system. African-Americans are at greater risk of hypertension; people exposed to the daily chronic stress of racism are more susceptible to acute stress.

Heightened Stress (02:14)

Antoinette Warren, a single mother, belongs to a striking telephone workers' union. She uses prayer to cope with financial pressure.

Stress from Death (02:03)

Events interrupting our lives can cause a prolonged stress reaction. Dr. Ann Smolin discusses the grief process.

Coping with Grief (05:26)

Women having lost their husbands in the line of duty seven months and four years ago share their experiences. Talking about loss helps to lessen the emotional pain over time.

Coping with Suicide (04:50)

Survivors often feel guilt, as well as grief and anger. Some avoid dealing with grief, complicating the grieving process; others retell their stories. Support groups are a valuable resource for addressing the taboo subject and processing traumatic experiences.

Adjustment Disorder (01:26)

When people are unable to return to daily life within six months of a stressful or traumatic event, psychologists classify them as having an adjustment disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (05:13)

Sometimes, reactions to man-made or natural disasters cause anxiety, nightmares, bad memories, or numbness. Learn about PTSD elements. Vietnam War veterans share their experiences with flashbacks, relationship challenges and substance abuse.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans (02:52)

Baum's team measures blood pressure, heart rate, and somatic symptoms in Vietnam veterans watching a combat surgery film. He hopes to find ways to reduce long-term stress and its negative physical effects. Intrusive thoughts are a factor in the disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Rape Survivors (04:02)

Dr. Dean Kilpatrick discusses PTSD in sexual assault victims. Women share their experiences of fearful memories and having their lives disrupted.

Coping with Stress (04:43)

Social support can include practical as well as emotional support following a traumatic event. Talking about or reliving experiences is therapeutic up to a point. Psychotherapy and support groups can help "stuck" individuals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Stress (04:23)

Hear how stress inoculation therapy helps obsessive thinking about stress among rape survivors. Methods include breathing exercises, Jacobson deep muscle relaxation, and guided self-dialogue.

Resilience to Stress (03:37)

People with social networks, a sense of competence, and determination tend to cope better with traumatic events. After a while, survivors make conscious decisions to overcome grief, fear and anger.

Credits: Nature of Stress (01:50)

Credits: Nature of Stress